Between Repression and Hope: Hungary’s Civil Society and the Struggle for Democracy Ahead of the 2026 Election

As Hungary moves toward its parliamentary elections in April 2026, the country finds itself at a critical crossroads. How can meaningful political change succeed in an increasingly restrictive environment? What strategies are civil society and independent media developing to remain resilient and capable of action under growing pressure? And what do the developments in Hungary mean for the future of democracy in Europe?

Hungary is no longer an isolated case. Under Orbán's government since 2010, the country has become an alarming example of how the rule of law in an EU Member State can be undermined, democratic institutions and procedures weakened, media freedom restricted, cultural wars fuelled, and civil society organisations criminalised. Orbán's system, based on concentration of power, disinformation and propaganda, defamation of political opponents, and corruption, serves as a blueprint for other authoritarian heads of state and government within and outside of Europe.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, this discussion seeks to explore possible political scenarios, reflect on the prospects for democratic change, and consider what forms of support democratic actors in Hungary most urgently need.

To address these questions, we are delighted to welcome the following experts:

• Dalma Dojcsák, lawyer and Senior Strategy Expert, Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, Budapest
• Bulcsú Hunyadi, Head of the Radicalisation and Extremism Programme, Political Capital, Budapest
• Gábor Kardos, Chief Executive Officer, Magyar Jeti & 444.hu
• Chantal Kopf, Member of the German Bundestag, Alliance 90/The Greens

Moderated by:
Adéla Jurečková, Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation Prague

Contact: 
Claudia Rothe
Policy Advisor European Union
rothe@boell.de

» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin

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